The District of North Cowichan will move forward with construction of the Somenos Sportsfields complex thanks to the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program, a major job-creating investment from Canada's Economic Action Plan.
Today, the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, announced federal funding for the project that will create jobs for the North Cowichan region.
"Our Government is working hard for all Canadians and while we are starting to see signs of economic recovery in Canada, we need to press ahead and continue the second phase of Canada's Economic Action Plan," said Minister Yelich. "Projects such as this one not only create jobs in our communities, but they also help pave the way for Canada's future growth and prosperity."
Funding of $1,000,000 is provided through the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program as part of Canada's Economic Action Plan.
The Corporation of the District of North Cowichan will improve local sports amenities by developing three new sports fields on Somenos Road. The centrally located fields will host a variety of soccer, field hockey and field lacrosse activities. Additional project work includes construction of an adjacent gravel parking lot and washroom/change room facility.
"This is the next step in Cowichan Place becoming a reality," said District of North Cowichan Mayor Tom Walker. "The Somenos Sportsfield project will be another first class facility for our community. This would not have been possible without the commitment of the federal government to improving infrastructure and promoting healthy and active lifestyles for our citizens."
The Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program will invest $500 million in recreational facilities across Canada over a two-year period. It will provide a temporary economic stimulus that will help reduce the impacts of the global recession while renewing, upgrading and expanding recreational infrastructure in Canadian communities. A total of almost $153 million in RInC funding will be invested across the four western provinces by Western Economic Diversification Canada.
Visit the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program in the West, or Canada's Economic Action Plan for more information.
For more information, contact:
Lisa Hutniak
Office of the Minister of State
E-mail: lisa.hutniak@wd-deo.gc.ca
Mr. Ernie Mansueti
Parks and Recreation Director
Telephone: (250) 746-3100
Email: mansueti@northcowichan.bc.ca
WD Toll-Free Number:1 888 338-WEST (9378)
Teletypewriter (TTY): 1 877 303-3388
Website: WD is online at www.wd-deo.gc.ca.
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